Why Record?

Edit 0 5 …
Digital audio recording and wikis are not inextricably linked - you can certainly do one without the other. I combined the two for today's presentation for two reasons:

  1. the potential benefits of recording on language acquisition (oral fluency, storytelling, conversation)
  2. the ease of storage and - if desired - publication of digital recordings

The flexible nature of the platform also allows for written text and audio to be published on the same page. Consider the examples below from an undergraduate college Spanish class, in which students recorded conversations with native Spanish speakers, posted them online, and composed critical reflections of their spoken Spanish:



Consider also the potential benefits and limitations of utilizing these technological tools in your classroom:

Benefits

  • Variety in activities/assessment
  • Task-based learning (e.g., create a commercial)
  • Can be done with minimal cost (free software, inexpensive hardware)
  • Publication to an audience leads to a greater sense of student ownership/investment
  • Easily store recordings for future review or repeated use
  • 90% prep, 10% performance
  • Covers a variety of skills
    • Oral fluency
    • Drafting
    • Revision
    • Peer critique
    • Public speaking/performance
    • Creative problem solving

Limitations

  • Initial investment of time in learning technology
  • Investment of time in re-tooling assignments/assessment
  • "Scariness" of the unfamiliar
  • 90% prep, 10% performance
  • Resistance
  • Limited access to technology

Further Reading

Tuzi, Frank. (2006, December 20). Enhancing second language acquisition with Audacity.